Families’ experiences following homelessness: the implications for children’s wellbeing and development.
Violet Kolar
Hanover Welfare Services
Contact Email:   vkolarhanover.org.au

In 2000, Hanover designed a longitudinal study that followed a sample of families who had experienced homelessness. Referred to as the Family Longitudinal Outcomes Study (FLOS), it entailed five waves of in-depth face-to-face interviews, which occurred every six months. The first wave of interviews began in August 2000 with a sample of 42 volunteer families. Following the loss of some families over the course of the study, the final wave interviews were completed with a sample of 30 families in March 2003.

Two main aims underpinned FLOS. The first was to gain a better understanding of the pathways out of homelessness. The second was to identify the key issues associated with establishing and maintaining family and housing stability over the longer term. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods, FLOS focused on the critical areas of housing, income and employment, use of welfare services, support networks, child and family wellbeing.

Based on the five waves of data collection, this paper will focus on the changes that the families experienced during this time, particularly in relation to the longer-term impact on children’s wellbeing and development. The paper will also include a discussion of policy implications.

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